Time for your dose of EPL drama

Published Aug 17, 2012

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THE HEAVYWEIGHTS

Manchester City

The champions were surprisingly quiet during the transfer window compared to their chequebook-wielding exploits over the past few years. But with most of the squad who won the title on the final day of last season still intact, manager Roberto Mancini can still call on some wonderful players to defend their title. And the experience gained from last season’s close finish could be what sets them apart from their rivals.

Watch this man: Jack Rodwell

This is a massive opportunity for Rodwell to show he can be a star at a “big club”. The 21-year-old midfielder was a stabilising factor in the middle of the park for Everton, with his workman-like style of play giving more attacking players the freedom to express themselves. But he also has a habit of scoring important goals with late runs into the penalty area.

Bet you didn’t know

In 1906, Manchester City were accused of using illegal payments to win the 1904 FA Cup, and had to sell their ground to pay off the FA’s fine. These days, if they get a fine, someone with a black coat opens a briefcase and it’s handled.

Manchester United

It would be rather foolish not to have the Red Devils in this list, especially because of their pedigree. For all the money their rivals on the other side of town spent, the fact is United lost the title only in the last two minutes of the season. Manager Alex Ferguson spent quite a few pounds in the transfer window, managed to wrangle Robin van Persie away from Arsenal and will feel that they will have enough quality to compete for a 20th title.

Watch this man: Shinji Kagawa

The Japanese import was an instant hit during United’s pre-season tour. The club’s Mother City faithful caught more than just a glimpse of his attacking talents as he impressed with movement, passing and general football sense. He needs to adapt quickly to the physical demands of the English game, though.

Bet you didn’t know

Sir Alex Ferguson was fired by St Mirren in 1978 – the only time he has ever been fired in his managerial career. The official version was because he was flirting with Aberdeen. However, according to the unofficial version which is reported on various websites, Ferguson was let go for “unpardonable swearing” at a lady. That’s probably why he has been chewing gum all these years – to keep his job.

Chelsea

Owner Roman Abramovich again decided to dip into his seemingly bottomless purse to bolster a squad that lost talisman Didier Drogba in the off-season. And at the time of writing, the Blues were still negotiating for the services of attacking talents such as Hulk and Cavani. They look like a balanced squad, but more signings will certainly strengthen a title bid. However, they will need Fernando Torres to take more responsibility and lead the line with a minimum of 20 goals this season.

Watch this man: Eden Hazard

The most-talked-about man in the transfer window – until Robin van Persie’s link with United – comes out of the French league with a massive reputation. The Belgium international has lots of tricks, and was one of the most influential players in Europe last season in terms of assists. It remains to be seen if he can adapt to a wide role, rather than a free role behind the strikers.

Bet you didn’t know

Five Chelsea players left the pitch during a game with Blackpool in 1931 because of the weather conditions, earning the tag of “southern softies”. So the Blues players must be welcoming the fact the bookies are taking bets on the chance that Christmas Day in England might be hottest in the history of the country.

ALSO-RANS

Arsenal

Van Persie and Alex Song were the Gunners’ best players last season. Losing Van Persie is bad, but with Barcelona chasing Song, losing both would be a disaster. But the North London giants have shown in the past that they can bounce back from any situation. However, like in the last few seasons, they won’t be anywhere close to contending and a fourth-place finish might be their best bet.

Watch this man: Santi Cazorla

The Spanish international will fit perfectly into Arsene Wenger’s style of play. A brilliant passer of the ball, Cazorla looks quite comfortable anywhere in midfield. However, his tackling is his biggest weakness, and in the fast-paced English game, midfielders have to do their bit on defence.

Bet you didn’t know

Arsenal played all their home matches in the 1999-2000 Champions League at Wembley Stadium because their former home, Highbury, was said to be too small. If they don’t make it into the Champions League this season, the Emirates Stadium might go empty.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham blew a 10-point lead over fierce rivals Arsenal in the last few months of the Premiership race. They also lost Harry Redknapp, the manager who guided them to their first-ever stint in the Champions League, and replaced him with Andre Villas-Boas. But they haven’t really lost any significant players, although Luka Modric is set to be a big loss. And if he moves, they are going to struggle to get another taste of Europe’s elite competition.

Watch this man: Jan Vertonghen

The Belgium international would have endeared himself to the home supporters by pushing for a move to White Hart Lane. But he will further win the hearts of the fans if he can fill the void left by retired skipper Ledley King. Vertonghen is comfortable in the centre of defence and at left back, but will have to rein himself in as he likes to go forward and attack.

Bet you didn’t know

Tottenham paid £999 999 for the legendary Jimmy Greaves to avoid putting pressure on him becoming the first player to be signed for a six-figure sum. Poor Jimmy must have a lot of sympathy for Fernando Torres and his £50million price tag.

Liverpool

The King is dead! Long live the … who? Yep, poor Brendan Rodgers has got to try and pick up the pieces after Kenny Dalglish’s disastrous stint at Anfield, where he had to deal with off-field issues like the Luis Suarez racism saga. But Rodgers could just be the man for the Reds during this rebuilding phase. He likes an attractive style of football, which he implemented so successfully at Swansea City last season. However, the Kop wants results, and if he doesn’t deliver, it could be his kop on the block.

Watch this man: Joe Allan

Allan recorded a staggering 91% success rate with his 2 177 passes for Swansea in the Premiership last season, while boasting an 85% success rate in the opposition half. However, the energy he brings in midfield is probably his biggest attribute. Allan is a real fighter and his tackling is also superb.

Bet you didn’t know

The odds for Rodgers to be sacked on Sky Bet are 18/1. Given that the Reds have their third manager in as many seasons, I would say those are fantastic odds for the punters to stick it to the bookie.

RELEGATION CANDIDATES

Reading

While Reading went from 16th position in November to winning the Championship by a single point, they are still many people’s favourites to drop straight back down to the second tier of English football. Reading have massive spirit and won 15 of their last 17 games to gain promotion after four years in the Championship. However, spirit might not be enough in the big league.

Watch this man: Adam Federici

The Australian goalkeeper was almost unbeatable between the sticks during the previous season, keeping an astonishing 19 clean sheets and at one stage going almost 500 minutes without conceding a goal. But something tells me he might be a bit busier next week.

Bet you didn’t know

After being formed in 1871, Reading didn’t have their own football ground and played at venues like the Reading cricket stadium. But after a four-year absence from the Premier League, they must be careful not to concede cricket scores against the big guns!

Southampton

Gone are the days when the world’s laziest talented footballer, Matt le Tissier, used to carry Southampton to safety every season, as they play more as a unit these days. But they can still score, having finished the Championship with the most goals. Their defence also held up well, but will be put to the test in the Premiership.

Watch this man: Rickie Lambert

Newcastle United’s Alan Pardew was told in no uncertain way that the Saints are not going to sell their main striker. Lambert, who wears the Southampton No 7 jersey made famous by Le Tissier, is the team’s chief source of goals, and will need to contribute heavily if the Saints are to survive.

Bet you didn’t know

According to thescratchingshed.com, shortly before Southampton moved from their previous stadium, The Dell, the club’s trophy room was robbed. To this day, police are still searching tirelessly for the red-and-white-striped carpet that a club source described as “our pride and joy”.

Swansea City

The Swans were fantastic to watch last season, bucking the trend of newly promoted teams and playing some great attacking football. But they have since lost their manager to Liverpool and have also lost Joe Allan, one of their shining lights. It’s going to be interesting to see how they approach the new season.

Watch this man: Michu

The Spanish midfielder could easily be the best value-for-money buy in the Premiership this season. The Swans paid £2million for a player who scored 15 goals from midfield for Rayo Vallecano in La Liga. He is at his best just behind the strikers in the No 10 role.

Bet you didn’t know

Swansea City and their supporters are often known as “Jacks”, originating from the dog Swansea Jack of the 1930s who reportedly saved 27 people from the River Tawe and earned the canine equivalent of the Victoria Cross. The Swans, though, might need some other “Jack” to drown their sorrows if they get relegated.

LATEST ODDS

English Premier League odds:

Manchester City 6/5, Manchester United 5/2, Chelsea 9/2, Arsenal 12/1, Liverpool 16/1, Tottenham Hotspur 25/1, Newcastle United 150/1, Everton 250/1, Fulham 750/1, Sunderland 1000/1, Aston Villa 2000/1, Queens Park Rangers 2000/1, Stoke City 3000/1, West Bromwich Albion 3000/1, Wigan Athletic 3000/1, West Ham United 3000/1, Southampton 3500/1, Swansea City 4000/1, Norwich City 5000/1, Reading 5000/1.

LAST SEASON’S STANDINGS

P W D L F A P

Man City 38 28 5 5 93 29 89

Man United 38 28 5 5 89 33 89

Arsenal 38 21 7 10 74 49 70

Tottenham 38 20 9 9 66 41 69

Newcastle 38 19 8 11 56 51 65

Chelsea 38 18 10 10 65 46 64

Everton 38 15 11 12 50 40 56

Liverpool 38 14 10 14 47 40 52

Fulham 38 14 10 14 48 51 52

West Brom 38 13 8 17 45 52 47

Swansea 38 12 11 15 44 51 47

Norwich 38 12 11 15 52 66 47

Sunderland 38 11 12 15 45 46 45

Stoke City 38 11 12 15 36 53 45

Wigan 38 11 10 17 42 62 43

Aston Villa 38 7 17 14 37 53 38

QPR 38 10 7 21 43 66 37

Bolton 38 10 6 22 46 77 36

Blackburn 38 8 7 23 48 78 31

Wolves 38 5 10 23 40 82 25 – Cape Times

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